Everything we know about Liam Payne’s funeral ‘to be held this week’

Plans are in place to repatriate the One Direction singer’s body.

Liam Payne
Liam Payne’s funeral is expected to take place soon (Image: John Phillips/Getty Images)

Tragic West Midlands megastar Liam Payne is set to be laid to rest in the region. The One Direction star’s funeral could be held as early as this week, according to reports.

Liam died almost three weeks ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after falling from the balcony of his room at the CasaSur Palermo hotel on October 16. The late singer’s dad, Geoff, flew out to the Argentine capital in the wake of his son’s death.

According to local paper La Nacion, Payne’s body has since been moved to the British Cemetery – in the Chacarita area of Buenos Aires. The process to repatriate his body to the UK is understood to have started.

Where will the funeral be?

That has not been made public. We do know in Wolverhampton, fans gathered outside St Peter’s Church. Bouquets of flowers, cards and notes have been left there.

What is happening with the body?

The dad-of-one’s body could be flown back to Britain this week, with a funeral held soon after. La Nacion says this could be as early as Wednesday.

It added: “When he arrived in the country on October 18, Geoff Payne was informed that taking him back to the United Kingdom could take between four and five days, but due to the circumstances of his death the process took longer than expected.” Reports suggest Payne’s funeral could take place in his home city of Wolverhampton.

Who is attending the funeral?

He grew up in the Bushbury area, while his family now live nearby in Codsall, South Staffordshire. A number of celebrity friends are expected to attend the funeral.

It is understood some may sing at his service. A source told RadarOnline.com: “Liam’s funeral is going to be packed with A-listers as he was so well-loved in the showbiz community, and so many of them are so sad about his tragic death.

“His family want to keep his farewell low-key and respectful, as it’s what Liam would have wanted as he was so down to earth. But there are going to be a series of song tributes from some very big acts as he loved singing and making music until the end.”

What about the autopsy?

Preliminary autopsy results indicated Payne suffered ‘multiple traumas’ when he fell from the hotel balcony. Directioners across the world were left devastated by news of his death, with vigils taking place in many locations.

Will there be a permanent tribute?

More than 4,600 people have since signed a petition calling for a permanent memorial to the One Direction singer in Wolverhampton. Another petition – calling for Liam’s Law to be brought in – has received support from almost 134,000 people.

Payne was dad to son Bear, who he shared with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole. He had attended the concert of Niall Horan in Buenos Aires, along with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, in the weeks before his death.

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Cassidy previously confirmed she had left Payne in Buenos Aires as she flew back to the US.